Christmas Mail 2009

Can you believe Christmas is just 2 days away? Where did 2009 go? For that matter where did this entire decade go? I hope I'm not the only one who feels like the impending doom of year 2000 was yesterday.

If you remember last week's post, I don't send out traditional Christmas cards. I send out a little surprise packages instead - each year is something different. This year I used my new screenprinting machine, the Yudu, to make up tea towels.

This was the first time with the Yudu so I was worried but it all worked out pretty well. I'll share more about the whole thing in another post. (If you can't wait to hear more, check out Erin Bassetts blog for a lot more info than I will ever have.)

This project was pretty time consuming so thankfully, Mr. Limestone lent a hand. After we had we print and heat set each one, the package had to come together. I printed little cards to tie around each towel. Out came the supplies.

The tags read: Enclosed is a gift, especially made, wishing you joy in the new decade. Dry, wipe or clean, its uses are plenty. May your messes be few and your blessings be many.

Each towel got rolled up, tied with a red and white striped ribbon and inserted into a mailing tube.

Here is one in situ on my oven. I hope everyone got a kick out of them.

For those that can't read it in the photo, the towel reads: The {insert our last name} wish you a clean start, unblemished luck, pure love and happy messes in 2010.

89 comments:

Love it...and loved the post of the things you've sent in the past! Such great ideas! I can imagine your friends and family must look forward to your Christmas Mail every year! Merry Christmas - and all the best in 2010!

Great idea! You are pretty fantabulous to send out such a greeting! Just curious, but what was the cost per towel with shipping? You have great sources and was wondering if you would share. Merry Christmas!

I wish you would offer them for sale, taking out your name and changing it to "we....." Probably won't happen because you would be inundated with orders. Anyway, lucky lucky recipients. And thanks for sharing your always-amazing projects! Happy New Year.

KathieB: I don't bother even thinking about topping one year to another. Everyone has a different opinion of which year they like the best so I figure it all evens out.

Jennifer: No clue what the total cost is. It cost $1.90 to ship plus the cost of the towel, the ink, the tube, the paper, the ribbon. I buy everything online so each thing isn't that pricey but I dont pay too much attention to it. Excluding time, it probably cost about $5. But its not really the money so much as the time. Thats why I keep the list to under 50 otherwise it would be too much.

Did you get the cards printed or do it yourself? If you did it yourself, what printer and what program do you use to make them? They are gorgeous and look like they were done by a professional (which you are!!!!)!

what a fantastic fantastic idea! love it. i can't imagine the recipients not loving them. where did you find the screen printing machine? i've been thinking of screen printing some items and thought a machine would be big and bulky but yours isn't.

AAAAk! How do I get to be on your mailing list?!?!? haha, your creativity just never fails to amaze me. I've been contemplating a Yudo for some time now and I think you may have just clinched things for me. GREAT job Mrs. Limestone.

What a wonderful idea and the poem on the card is so cute too. Love this. May steal, just to use on a much smaller level. Love everything you do! Happy new decade to you and look forward to many more-years and projects!

Merry Christmas! I just found your blog and am glad I did. What a great Christmas mail treat. I love it all and I'm especially fond of the cards with the ribbons tying it into a beautiful presentation. I look forward to following you into 2010.

I've been checking your blog on a casual basis -- I am now going to make it a weekly ritual! I'm missing too much. Your ideas are so creative -- the tea towels have me searching for a Yudu of my own! Have a wonderful 2010 Mrs Limestone! (Barb in CA)

Hi! I was trolling through your absolutely amazing blog (via design crush) and saw this project...WOW. If you haven't already done so, you should post it over at the Yudu forums! My boyfriend is the creator/moderator of the forums and he would be so stoked to see your projects there. http://yuduforums.com/

Makes me wanna dust-off my yudu! I haven't used it in a while. Shame on me. Maybe I can brew up some fancy Halloween party invitations with it.

Not sure if you'll be able to answer, or still check on comments on old posts, but I would really really love to know where you ordered your towels from, if you are able to provide that information. They seem like the perfect size and material. Thank you!

I've just stumbled upon your blog as I looked for inspiration for my 2011 Halloween invites. I am in absolute awe of your seemingly endless creativity!! I've been teased by my friends over the years, called "the other Martha" and looked to for decorating and party ideas, but I am humbled by the unique items you have created. KUDOS!!!